An ARTC spokesman said the bulk of the works were completed on Friday after an intensive operation involving specialist rail track machines.

“This upgrade will improve the capability of rail traffic between Wangaratta and Wodonga,” he said.

“Cross-overs are a large bit of rail infrastructure that allows for trains to switch from one track to another.

“Unfortunately, there has meant some minor delays to passenger train services – to accommodate for the works and to ensure the safety of rail workers.

“Additionally, there is some supporting signalling work and testing scheduled in early March.”

ARTC chief executive John Fullerton said further extensive work was planned on the North East line in March as part of annual maintenance.

“In relation to V/Line, we are committed to continue working closely with them to ensure their services meet the needs and expectations of their customers,” he said.

“It is true there has been some deterioration in the number of temporary speed restrictions on the corridor after the exceptional rain and flooding events during Spring, but ARTC is addressing these track defects as part of our ongoing maintenance program.

“It is also the case that ARTC and the federal government have made significant investments on this corridor to upgrade the track to improve performance and provide additional capacity.”